Patients & Families
A practical guide to starting home health care.
Home health brings ordered, intermittent clinical services into the home. A patient, family member, clinician, hospital, or case manager may start the conversation, but admission and coverage depend on an individual review.
The essentials
What to know first.
- Start with the skilled need and the ordering clinician.
- Ask which disciplines are ordered and what each will address.
- Prepare the medication list, discharge instructions, and questions for the first visit.
- Know who to call for routine changes, urgent concerns, and emergencies.
What home health is
Intermittent clinical care delivered under a plan.
Home health is different from around-the-clock home care or companionship. Depending on orders and eligibility, nurses, therapists, medical social workers, or home health aides may visit for specific goals and services.
How to start
A conversation begins the review.
- Call intake or speak with the ordering clinician or discharge team
- Identify the skilled need being considered
- Ask what assessment, order, and referral documents are needed
- Confirm coverage and availability for the patient’s address
- Understand that a conversation or referral does not guarantee admission
The first visit
Expect assessment, questions, and a clearer plan.
The clinician confirms information, assesses needs within the discipline’s scope, reviews orders and safety, explains the visit plan, and identifies what the patient or caregiver should know between visits.
- Have the medication list and discharge instructions ready
- Keep ordered equipment and supplies available
- Write down symptoms, changes, and questions
- Ask who to call after hours and in an emergency
How family can help
Support understanding without taking over.
- Listen and take notes with the patient’s permission
- Use teach-back to confirm instructions
- Help keep pathways, equipment, and supplies organized
- Report changes through the care plan’s channels
- Protect the patient’s choices, privacy, and independence
Safety & escalation
Know when not to wait.
Call 911 for an emergency. For concerning but non-emergency changes, use the specific instructions and phone numbers provided by the patient’s current care team.
Frequently asked questions
Clear answers before the next step.
Who comes to the home?
Only the disciplines ordered and accepted into the plan may visit. This may include nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, medical social services, or eligible aide services.
Does Medicare cover home health?
Medicare may cover qualifying home health services when all requirements are met. Coverage is individualized and is not guaranteed by contacting the agency.
How is home health different from home care?
Home health is skilled, clinician-directed, and generally intermittent. “Home care” may refer to non-clinical companion or custodial support, which follows different eligibility and payment rules.
What should I do in an emergency?
Call 911 or seek emergency medical care. Do not wait for a website, email, or routine home health response.